Applications are now open for the World Health Summit 2026 Stipend & Fellowship Program, offering a fully funded opportunity to attend one of the world’s leading global health conferences in Berlin, Germany, from October 11–13, 2026.
This highly competitive program supports up to 15 participants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and individuals with lived experience, enabling them to engage directly in global health discussions, network with international leaders, and contribute to shaping the future of health systems worldwide.
The program is supported by Wellcome Trust.
Key Program Details
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Event Dates: October 11–13, 2026
- Arrival/Stay: October 10–14, 2026
- Number of Awards: Up to 15 stipends
- Application Mode: Rolling basis (early application strongly encouraged)
What the Fellowship Covers
Selected participants will receive a comprehensive funding package, including:
- Roundtrip economy-class flights to Berlin
- Four nights of hotel accommodation (including breakfast, within walking distance of the venue)
- Full registration for the World Health Summit 2026 (including meals and refreshments)
- Reimbursement of up to €200 for visa and passport costs
- Reimbursement of up to €200 for local transport and miscellaneous expenses
- Invitation to the official World Health Summit Kick-Off Reception on October 10, 2026
This makes it a fully funded global health opportunity for early-career professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national and resident of a low- or middle-income country (based on World Bank 2025–2026 classification), or demonstrate relevant lived experience
- Show active engagement in global health through professional work, advocacy, or community involvement
- Be fluent in English (the official language of the summit)
- Be eligible to apply for a short-term Schengen visa
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their application through the official online platform. A complete application includes:
- Personal details, including nationality and country of residence
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages)
- Proof of engagement in global health (such as work experience, advocacy, or recommendation letter)
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email. Waitlisted candidates may be considered if selected applicants decline their offers.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed based on quality, relevance, and completeness. Due to high demand:
- A lottery system may be used if eligible applications exceed available slots
- Regional diversity will be considered in final selections
Important Information for Selected Fellows
- Participants will attend as conference delegates, not as speakers
- Visa application support will be provided, but approval is not guaranteed
- Flights will be booked as the most economical direct option; additional costs such as rebooking or insurance are not covered
- Reimbursements require original receipts with full details
- Additional hotel expenses (e.g., minibar, room upgrades) are not covered
Fellows are also expected to:
- Contribute to communications (e.g., social media posts, written reflections, or video content)
- Complete a post-event evaluation survey
Why You Should Apply
The World Health Summit is a premier platform that brings together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and youth leaders to address pressing global health challenges. This fellowship provides a rare opportunity to:
- Gain global exposure in the health sector
- Network with top experts and decision-makers
- Contribute your voice and lived experience to global health discourse
- Build partnerships and collaborations for future impact
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply as early as possible due to the rolling selection process and limited slots available.
Application Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YXW2SR6
- Applications will be evaluated for completeness and quality of content. If more fitting applications are submitted than stipends can be awarded, the World Health Summit will employ a lottery to determine the recipients; if necessary, multiple drawings will be done to ensure diverse regional representation.
- Selected stipend recipients must apply for a visa in a timely manner. The World Health Summit will provide an invitation letter as part of the stipend and will try to support in the case of difficulties but cannot guarantee visa issuance.
- Stipend recipients will be participants in the World Health Summit and may participate in all open formats of the World Health Summit program. Stipend recipients do not attend the WHS 2026 as speakers.
- Costs for visa and passport as well as for miscellaneous expenses may be reimbursed up to the stated amount. Original receipts must be submitted in order for the reimbursement to be processed. All receipts must state the purpose, date, amount, currency, and any taxes paid.
- The World Health Summit will not cover any additional expenses occurred during the hotel stay, e.g., use of the mini bar, double occupancy of the room.
- The World Health Summit will book the most economical direct flight in economy class. Costs incurred for rebooking, insurance or similar will not be covered by the World Health Summit.
- Selected stipend recipients agree to contribute to the communication activities of the World Health Summit for the corporate channels as well as for personal channels. This can be done, for example, through written reporting on the stipend program and participation in the World Health Summit, by recording video material or creating postings. The World Health Summit Communications team will work closely with participants to support and coordinate these activities.
- Selected stipend recipients agree to complete an evaluation survey on the Stipend & Fellowship program and their experience at the World Health Summit 2026 immediately after the conference.
Download the full WHS 2026 Stipend & Fellowship document with all relevant information for applicants.
